Submitted by:
Angela Watson

In this simple machines lesson plan, which is adaptable for grades 3-6, students use BrainPOP Jr. and BrainPOP resources (including an online science game) to explore a variety of simple machines. Students participate in cooperative hands-on learning activities to investigate different types of simple machines. They will also create their own simple machines during online gameplay and afterward using classroom materials.

Interpret information presented visually, orally, or quantitatively (e.g., in charts, graphs, diagrams, time lines, animations, or interactive elements on Web pages) and explain how the information contributes to an understanding of the text in which it appears.

Grade: 05

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.3

Explain the relationships or interactions between two or more individuals, events, ideas, or concepts in a historical, scientific, or technical text based on specific information in the text.

Grade: 05

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.5.4

Determine the meaning of general academic and domain-specific words and phrases in a text relevant to a grade 5 topic or subject area.

Grade: 06

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.4

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings.

Grade: 06

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.6.7

Integrate information presented in different media or formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively) as well as in words to develop a coherent understanding of a topic or issue.

Grade: 07

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.7.4

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.

Grade: 08

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.4

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative, connotative, and technical meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts.

Grade: 08

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.8.7

Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of using different mediums (e.g., print or digital text, video, multimedia) to present a particular topic or idea.

Grade: 11-12

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.2

Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; summarize complex concepts, processes, or information presented in a text by paraphrasing them in simpler but still accurate terms.

Grade: 11-12

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.11-12.7

Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

Grade: 06, 07, 08

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.2

Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; provide an accurate summary of the text distinct from prior knowledge or opinions.

Grade: 06, 07, 08

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.7

Integrate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text with a version of that information expressed visually (e.g., in a flowchart, diagram, model, graph, or table).

Grade: 06, 07, 08

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.6-8.9

Compare and contrast the information gained from experiments, simulations, video, or multimedia sources with that gained from reading a text on the same topic.

Grade: 09, 10

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.2

Determine the central ideas or conclusions of a text; trace the text’s explanation or depiction of a complex process, phenomenon, or concept; provide an accurate summary of the text.

Grade: 09, 10

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RST.9-10.7

Translate quantitative or technical information expressed in words in a text into visual form (e.g., a table or chart) and translate information expressed visually or mathematically (e.g., in an equation) into words.

Grade: 05

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.5.2

Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.

Grade: 06

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.6.2

Interpret information presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how it contributes to a topic, text, or issue under study.

Grade: 07

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.7.2

Analyze the main ideas and supporting details presented in diverse media and formats (e.g., visually, quantitatively, orally) and explain how the ideas clarify a topic, text, or issue under study.

Students will:

Identify and define different types of simple machines.

Recognize the uses of simple machines in real-world scenarios.

Explain how simple machines make our lives easier.

Create their own simple machine during online game play and using classroom materials.

Materials:

Internet access for BrainPOP resources

Materials for simple machines centers/stations

Vocabulary:

simple machines, work, fulcrum, pulley, wheel, axle, wedge, lever

Preparation:

Preview the simple machines game from The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago and familiarize yourself with game play. In this game, students help a character named twitch collect spare robot parts that are scattered all over the Museum. Students assist Twitch in using the found objects to create simple machines that will help him solve challenges with a minimum of force. You can visit The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago's Simple Machines Exhibit Resources page for more information and ideas related to the game.

You'll also want to preview the BrainPOP Jr. and BrainPOP resources used in the lesson plan and determine how to adapt them for your students' needs. Plan out centers or stations that students can complete in groups so that they have the opportunity to explore each type of simple machine in a hands-on way. Some simple ideas can be found in The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago'sSimple Machines Activities PDF and in BrainPOP Jr.'s Simple Machines Lesson Ideas.

Lesson Procedure:

Show students the Word Wall vocabulary and talk about the meaning of the words displayed. You may want to have students suggest definitions in their own words, then click on a word to see the definition provided by BrainPOP Jr.

Play the BrainPOP Jr. movie Simple Machines to give students an overview of the different types of simple machines. Ask students to recall all the simple machines they saw in the movie and talk about the functions of each one.

Challenge students to find the simple machines hidden in the BrainPOP Jr. Search Game so that they can see how the machines appear in real-world scenarios. Extend student understanding by talking about places they've seen simple machines in their own homes, school, and community.

Tell students they will have the opportunity to explore simple machines in an online game. Pair students up and give them 10-20 minutes to explore the Simple Machines game. Encourage students to apply information they learned from the BrainPOP Jr. resources as they play.

Divide students into groups and have them rotate through stations to explore various types of simple machines. The stations could incorporate investigations from The Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago's Simple Machines Activities. Other station activities could include watching the related BrainPOP movies (Levers, Inclined Plane, Wheel and Axle, and Pulley) and taking the accompanying quizzes or completing the corresponding activity pages.

Allow students to revisit the Simple Machines game, either in pairs or independently. Afterward, talk to the class about the simple machines they created in the game for Twitch and in their stations. How are simple machines used in everyday life? How do simple machines make our lives easier?

Assess student learning by having students take the BrainPOP Jr. Hard Quiz or the quizzes from the BrainPOP movies on individual simple machines.

Extension Activity:

Challenge students to create their own simple machines, just like Twitch! Provide a variety of materials for students to use or have students bring in items from home. Allow students to work cooperatively to build various simple machines and brainstorm ways to improve their effectiveness. Allow each group to share their favorite simple machine creation with the class. You may even want to take photos or video of students demonstrating their machines and have students write about it on a class blog or school website to share with family members and the community.